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Contraceptive Patch
(06/29/2004) by Unknown
WHAT ARE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCHES?
One OrthoEvra patch is worn for 1 week for 3 consecutive weeks, usually on the lower abdomen or buttocks. The fourth week is patch-free to permit withdrawal bleeding. The 4.5 cm square patch delivers both estrogen and a progestin and this stops ovulation. Used correctly and consistently the patch leads to only 3 pregnancies amoung 1,000 women using patches for a year! You do not need a back-up method during the 7 patch-free days. Complete information about this method is available through your clinician and through the patch package insert.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES:
• You don't have to take a pill daily or interrupt sex to use a barrier contraceptive
• Patches decrease a woman's cramps and pain.
• Patches decrease the amount of menstrual bleeding and a woman's risk for anemia
• Acne may improve and facial hair is diminished
• Many women enjoy sex more when using OrthaEvera patches
• You can use patches for an extended period of time or continuously (with no hormone-free intervals)
• Each patch has enough hormones to suppress ovulation for up to 9 days, so you can be a day or so late putting on the next patch. (Not recomended).
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
• Patches do not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use condoms if you may be at risk
• You may have spotting (mostly during the first few cycles)
• Using patches may cause headaches, depression, mood changes, or decreased enjoyment of sex (infrequent)
• Serious complications such as blood clots may occur but are rare
• Patches tend to be slightly expensive than birth control pills. In mid 2004 the cost of patches for one 28 day cycle seems to be $38 to $45 in most pharmacies. This works out to $494 to $585 per year!
• Partial detachment of patches (2.8%) complete detachment (1.8%) and skin irritation may occur. Even less common (under 1%) is increased pigmentation of the skin under the patch. This hyperpigmentation may last for a number of months.
• A back-up contraceptive for 7 days is recommended if there is any question about starting use of a new patch late or if there is a question about the attachment of the patch.
WHERE CAN I GET OrthaEvera PATCHES?
You will need a prescription from your nurse practitioner, physician, nurse midwife or physician's associate.
The above information is taken from http://www.managingcontraception.com/cmanager/publish/choices.shtml
This information is not copyrighted, and may be copied or adapted without asking permission. Lengthier descriptions may be found in the books Managing Contraception, Contraceptive Technology and LA Planification Familiar, which may be ordered from the above website or by calling (706) 265-7435.
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